US20050007418A1 - Printhead assembly arrangement for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer - Google Patents
Printhead assembly arrangement for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050007418A1 US20050007418A1 US10/913,325 US91332504A US2005007418A1 US 20050007418 A1 US20050007418 A1 US 20050007418A1 US 91332504 A US91332504 A US 91332504A US 2005007418 A1 US2005007418 A1 US 2005007418A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- printhead
- ink
- support structure
- assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000007639 printing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 76
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000000976 ink Substances 0.000 description 123
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 21
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 21
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 18
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 11
- ALFHIHDQSYXSGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,2-dichloro-3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)benzene Chemical compound ClC1=CC(Cl)=CC=C1C1=CC=CC(Cl)=C1Cl ALFHIHDQSYXSGP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 9
- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000009877 rendering Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 6
- IOPBNBSKOPJKEG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,2-dichloro-3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)benzene Chemical compound ClC1=CC(Cl)=CC(C=2C(=C(Cl)C=CC=2)Cl)=C1 IOPBNBSKOPJKEG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 5
- 229910001374 Invar Inorganic materials 0.000 description 4
- 239000000872 buffer Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000003139 buffering effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000000834 fixative Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000005055 memory storage Effects 0.000 description 3
- RXRLRYZUMSYVLS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,2,3,4-tetrachloro-5-(2,4,6-trichlorophenyl)benzene Chemical compound ClC1=CC(Cl)=CC(Cl)=C1C1=CC(Cl)=C(Cl)C(Cl)=C1Cl RXRLRYZUMSYVLS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013507 mapping Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000010076 replication Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 241001501852 Diomedeidae Species 0.000 description 1
- 101000941170 Homo sapiens U6 snRNA phosphodiesterase 1 Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 102100031314 U6 snRNA phosphodiesterase 1 Human genes 0.000 description 1
- 239000000956 alloy Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910045601 alloy Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000969 carrier Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010961 commercial manufacture process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013501 data transformation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000151 deposition Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005265 energy consumption Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010348 incorporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005457 optimization Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/015—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
- B41J2/04—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
- B41J2/14427—Structure of ink jet print heads with thermal bend detached actuators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/145—Arrangement thereof
- B41J2/155—Arrangement thereof for line printing
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1601—Production of bubble jet print heads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/1623—Manufacturing processes bonding and adhesion
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/1626—Manufacturing processes etching
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/1626—Manufacturing processes etching
- B41J2/1628—Manufacturing processes etching dry etching
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/1626—Manufacturing processes etching
- B41J2/1629—Manufacturing processes etching wet etching
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/1631—Manufacturing processes photolithography
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/1632—Manufacturing processes machining
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/1635—Manufacturing processes dividing the wafer into individual chips
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/1637—Manufacturing processes molding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/1637—Manufacturing processes molding
- B41J2/1639—Manufacturing processes molding sacrificial molding
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/164—Manufacturing processes thin film formation
- B41J2/1642—Manufacturing processes thin film formation thin film formation by CVD [chemical vapor deposition]
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/164—Manufacturing processes thin film formation
- B41J2/1643—Manufacturing processes thin film formation thin film formation by plating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/164—Manufacturing processes thin film formation
- B41J2/1645—Manufacturing processes thin film formation thin film formation by spincoating
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1621—Manufacturing processes
- B41J2/164—Manufacturing processes thin film formation
- B41J2/1646—Manufacturing processes thin film formation thin film formation by sputtering
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/16—Production of nozzles
- B41J2/1648—Production of print heads with thermal bend detached actuators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17503—Ink cartridges
- B41J2/17513—Inner structure
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B82—NANOTECHNOLOGY
- B82Y—SPECIFIC USES OR APPLICATIONS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MEASUREMENT OR ANALYSIS OF NANOSTRUCTURES; MANUFACTURE OR TREATMENT OF NANOSTRUCTURES
- B82Y30/00—Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
- G06F21/78—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure storage of data
- G06F21/79—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure storage of data in semiconductor storage media, e.g. directly-addressable memories
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/70—Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer
- G06F21/86—Secure or tamper-resistant housings
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K1/00—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion
- G06K1/12—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching
- G06K1/121—Methods or arrangements for marking the record carrier in digital fashion otherwise than by punching by printing code marks
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K19/00—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings
- G06K19/06—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code
- G06K19/06009—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking
- G06K19/06037—Record carriers for use with machines and with at least a part designed to carry digital markings characterised by the kind of the digital marking, e.g. shape, nature, code with optically detectable marking multi-dimensional coding
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/14—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
- G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
- G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
- G06K7/14—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation using light without selection of wavelength, e.g. sensing reflected white light
- G06K7/1404—Methods for optical code recognition
- G06K7/1408—Methods for optical code recognition the method being specifically adapted for the type of code
- G06K7/1417—2D bar codes
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11C—STATIC STORES
- G11C11/00—Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor
- G11C11/56—Digital stores characterised by the use of particular electric or magnetic storage elements; Storage elements therefor using storage elements with more than two stable states represented by steps, e.g. of voltage, current, phase, frequency
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/222—Studio circuitry; Studio devices; Studio equipment
- H04N5/262—Studio circuits, e.g. for mixing, switching-over, change of character of image, other special effects ; Cameras specially adapted for the electronic generation of special effects
- H04N5/2628—Alteration of picture size, shape, position or orientation, e.g. zooming, rotation, rolling, perspective, translation
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/165—Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles
- B41J2/16585—Preventing or detecting of nozzle clogging, e.g. cleaning, capping or moistening for nozzles for paper-width or non-reciprocating print heads
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/17—Ink jet characterised by ink handling
- B41J2/175—Ink supply systems ; Circuit parts therefor
- B41J2/17596—Ink pumps, ink valves
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/015—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process
- B41J2/04—Ink jet characterised by the jet generation process generating single droplets or particles on demand
- B41J2002/041—Electromagnetic transducer
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2/00—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed
- B41J2/005—Typewriters or selective printing mechanisms characterised by the printing or marking process for which they are designed characterised by bringing liquid or particles selectively into contact with a printing material
- B41J2/01—Ink jet
- B41J2/135—Nozzles
- B41J2/14—Structure thereof only for on-demand ink jet heads
- B41J2002/14346—Ejection by pressure produced by thermal deformation of ink chamber, e.g. buckling
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B41—PRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPS
- B41J—TYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS
- B41J2202/00—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet or thermal heads
- B41J2202/01—Embodiments of or processes related to ink-jet heads
- B41J2202/21—Line printing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2221/00—Indexing scheme relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F2221/21—Indexing scheme relating to G06F21/00 and subgroups addressing additional information or applications relating to security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F2221/2129—Authenticate client device independently of the user
Abstract
Description
- This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/112,767, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,167. The following United States applications and patents are hereby incorporated by reference:
6,227,652 6,213,588 6,213,589 6,231,163 6,247,795 6,394,581 6,244,691 6,257,704 6,416,168 6,220,694 6,257,705 6,247,794 6,234,610 6,247,793 6,264,306 6,241,342 6,247,792 6,264,307 6,254,220 6,234,611 6,302,528 6,283,582 6,239,821 6,338,547 6,247,796 6,390,603 6,362,843 6,293,653 6,312,107 6,227,653 6,234,609 6,238,040 6,188,415 6,227,654 6,209,989 6,247,791 6,336,710 6,217,153 6,416,167 6,243,113 6,583,281 6,247,790 6,260,953 6,267,469 6,273,544 6,309,048 6,420,196 6,443,558 6,439,689 6,378,989 6,406,129 6,505,916 6,457,809 6,457,812 6,428,133 6,362,868, 6,443,555 09/422,893 09/113,122, 09/693,727, 09/425,420, 09/693,703, now allowed now abandoned now abandoned now allowed - Not Applicable
- This invention relates to a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer. More particularly, this invention relates to a printhead assembly arrangement for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printhead.
- High volume, high-resolution printing is an objective that has been sought by the manufacturers of wide format printers for some time. Wide format printers have been available to the public for many years. Examples of popular wide format printers are the Hewlett Packard (HP) 1000/5000, the HP 3000/3500, the Epson 7000/10 000 and many others.
- These printers all have a traversing printhead that traverses a print medium while depositing ink on the medium. Applicant believes that these printers suffer from inherent disadvantages, particularly when attempts are made to utilize the design of such printers in order to achieve faster printing speeds at high resolutions.
- Central to the problem of achieving high printing speeds is the ability to achieve a printhead that is capable of generating the necessary number of ink dots at a suitable rate. Further, in order to achieve accurate printing, it is desirable that a row or band of the image be created in as little print cycles as possible, and preferably in a single print cycle. It follows that it is undesirable for a traversing printhead to be used in an attempt to achieve high print speeds and that a single printhead incorporating a suitable number of inkjet nozzles is required.
- Thermal printheads also referred to as bubble jet printheads and piezoelectric printheads have been available for some time. These suffer from excessive heat build up and energy consumption and have therefore been found by the applicant to not be suitable for use in a pagewidth configuration. A number of disadvantages associated with such printheads are set out in U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,555.
- The applicant has developed a printhead chip that is capable of producing images having a resolution as high as 1600 dpi. These chips are manufactured using integrated circuit fabrication techniques. Details of the chips are provided in the above referenced applications and patents. Applicant believes that these printhead chips are extremely suitable for use in wide format printers. The reason for this is that such chips operate at extremely high speeds due to the large number of nozzle arrangements required in a single chip and due to the fact that such chips can be driven at an extremely high cyclical rate.
- The Applicant has been faced with a number of difficulties in order to achieve the effective use of such printhead chips in wide format printers. One particular difficulty identified by the Applicant is the effective control of a number of such printhead chips to achieve accurate printing. This control must incorporate the use of effective image processing tools that are capable of processing stored images at a rate that corresponds with the physical rate of printing achievable by a number of the above printhead chips.
- Another difficulty that faces the manufacturers of wide format printers are the problems associated with heat build up. This can often result in the necessity for expensive heat extraction devices that add to the complexity of the printer.
- According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a printhead assembly for a wide format inkjet printer, the printhead assembly comprising an elongate support structure that spans a print media feed path, in use;
- an ink supply assembly mounted on the support structure and extending a length of the support structure;
- a plurality of printhead modules mounted along the support structure, in an end-to-end manner, and in fluid communication with the ink supply assembly, each printhead module incorporating an elongate printhead chip, the printhead modules being positioned on the support structure so that the printhead chips are capable of carrying out a printing operation on print media passing along the print media feed path; and
- a plurality of print control arrangements mounted on the support structure, each print control arrangement being configured to control a number of the printhead chips and each printhead module including a flexible data connector that interconnects each printhead chip of said number to the print control arrangement to facilitate relative angular orientation of the printhead modules and the print control arrangement.
- The elongate support structure may define a channel that accommodates the ink supply assembly, which may be connectable to a supply of ink at one end.
- The elongate support structure may have a pair of opposed side walls and a floor wall. The printhead modules may be positioned to span the walls and the control arrangements may be positioned on one of the side walls.
- The ink supply assembly may include a plurality of ink reservoir structures which are mounted end-to-end in the channel. Each ink reservoir structure may define a number of elongate ink channels such that, when the ink reservoir structures are positioned in the channel, the ink reservoir structures together define elongate ink reservoirs that extend the length of the channel, each ink reservoir corresponding to a respective ink to be printed.
- Each print control arrangement may include a printed circuit board which incorporates a print engine controller chip and at least one memory chip.
- The printed circuit boards may be connected together with suitable connectors and an endmost printed circuit board may include a suitable data connector to permit data cables to be connected to the printed circuit boards.
- According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an ink supply arrangement for a pagewidth printing mechanism that includes a number of printhead chips that are positioned in an array to span a print medium, the ink supply arrangement comprising
- an elongate support structure;
- a plurality of ink distribution structures that are positioned in the support structure, each ink distribution structure defining a number of ink channels in fluid communication with ink channels of an adjacent ink distribution structure such that the ink distribution structures together define ink channels that extend a length of the support structure;
- a connector assembly that is engageable with an endmost ink distribution structure; and
- an ink supply assembly that is engageable with the connector assembly, the ink supply assembly having a number of conduits for supplying ink to respective ink channels, the connector assembly being configured to permit the ink supply assembly to be connected to the endmost ink distribution structure such that each conduit can supply ink to each respective ink channel.
- The support structure may include an elongate channel member that defines a channel in which the ink distribution structures are positioned.
- The connector assembly may include an end cap member having a plurality of connectors that correspond with respective ink channels to be engageable with the endmost ink distribution structure and with respective conduits.
- The supply assembly may include a number of ink containers in which respective inks can be received. Each conduit of the ink supply assembly may be an ink hose that is connected to a respective ink container to supply ink to a respective ink channel.
- The ink supply assembly may include a number of ink cartridges that are detachably mounted on the support structure, each ink cartridge being in fluid communication with a respective ink container.
- Each ink distribution structure may be a molding that defines the channels as ink reservoirs.
- According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a printing mechanism that comprises
- an ink supply arrangement that comprises
-
- an elongate support structure;
- a plurality of ink distribution structures that are positioned in the support structure, each ink distribution structure defining a number of ink channels in fluid communication with ink channels of an adjacent ink distribution structure such that the ink distribution structures together define ink channels that extend a length of the support structure;
- a connector assembly that is engageable with an endmost ink distribution structure; and
- an ink supply assembly that is engageable with the connector assembly, the ink supply assembly having a number of conduits for supplying ink to respective ink channels, the connector assembly being configured to permit the ink supply assembly to be connected to the endmost ink distribution structure such that each conduit can supply ink to each respective ink channel; and
- a plurality of printhead chip carriers that are mounted on the support structure; and
- a plurality of printhead chips, each printhead chip being mounted on a respective carrier.
- According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a print assembly for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer, the print assembly comprising
- an elongate carrier that is mountable on a support structure of the printer and is positioned an operative distance from a platen of the printer;
- a number of printhead chips that are mounted on the carrier, the printhead chips being provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead chips define a printing zone between the carrier and the platen, the printing zone having a length of at least 36 inches (914 mm), each printhead chip being of the type that incorporates a plurality of nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement being in the form of a micro electromechanical system to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement; and
- control circuitry that is positioned on the carrier and is operatively connected to the printhead chips to control operation of the printhead chips.
- According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer that comprises
- a support structure;
- a platen positioned in the support structure;
- a print assembly positioned operatively with respect to the platen, the print assembly comprising
-
- an elongate carrier that is mounted on the support structure of the printer and is positioned an operative distance from the platen;
- a number of printhead chips mounted on the carrier, the printhead chips being provided in a number and configuration such that the printhead chips define a printing zone between the carrier and the platen, the printing zone having a length of at least 36 inches (914 mm), each printhead chip being of the type that incorporates a plurality of nozzle arrangements, each nozzle arrangement being in the form of a micro electromechanical system to achieve the ejection of ink from the nozzle arrangement; and
- control circuitry that is positioned on the carrier and is operatively connected to the printhead chips to control operation of the printhead chips; and
- a feed mechanism that is positioned on the support structure for feeding a print medium though the printing zone.
- The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description is not intended to limit the broad scope of the above summary.
- In the drawings,
-
FIG. 1 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of part of a printing mechanism of a print assembly, in accordance with the invention, of a printer, also in accordance with the invention; -
FIG. 2 shows a front view of the printing mechanism ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the printing mechanism ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 shows a three dimensional, external view of the printer; -
FIG. 5 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of operative parts of the printer; -
FIG. 6 shows a schematic, exploded view of the printer; -
FIG. 7 shows a schematic, side sectioned view of a portion of the printer incorporating the print assembly; -
FIG. 8 shows an exploded view of an operative portion of the printing mechanism; -
FIG. 9 shows a cross sectional view of an operative portion of the printing mechanism; -
FIG. 10 shows a high-level block diagram of an image processing apparatus of the print assembly; -
FIG. 11 shows an expanded block diagram of a page expansion unit of the image processing apparatus; -
FIG. 12 shows a block diagram of the image processing apparatus incorporating the page expansion unit; -
FIG. 13 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of part of a printhead chip of the print assembly of the printer, showing one nozzle arrangement of the printhead chip; and -
FIG. 14 shows a schematic, three-dimensional view of a printhead module that incorporates a printhead chip. - In
FIG. 4 ,reference numeral 10 generally indicates a printer, in accordance with the invention. - The
printer 10 has asupport structure 12 that supports aprint assembly 14, also in accordance with the invention, above a substrate. Thesupport structure 12 includes a pair of spacedfeet 16 and aleg 18 extending from eachfoot 16. Theprint assembly 14 is mounted on thelegs 18 to span thelegs 18. - A
media tray 20 is positioned between thelegs 18. Themedia tray 20 is configured to store suitable print media, such aspaper 22. - The
paper 22 is fed from a media feed mechanism in the form of amedia roll 166 through theprint assembly 14 and on to a take upspool 24. Anelectronics enclosure 26 is also positioned between thelegs 18 to enclose various electronic components that are described below. - The
print assembly 14 includes alid 28, with ahandle 30, and afront cover 32. Thelid 28 andfront cover 32 are positioned between a pair ofend moldings 34. - The
print assembly 14 also includes acolor TFT LCD 36 with touch screen navigation. Astop button 38 is also provided to enable a user to stop operation of theprint assembly 14. - The
print assembly 14 and its various components are shown in further detail in the remaining Figures. - In FIGS. 1 to 3,
reference numeral 40 generally indicates a printing mechanism of theprint assembly 14. As can be seen in the drawings, theprinting mechanism 40 is segmented. In particular, theprinting mechanism 40 includes an image processing apparatus, in accordance with the invention, that includes nine printed circuit boards (PCB's) 42 connected to each other with corresponding connector blocks 44. - The
printing mechanism 40 further includes aprinthead 41 having seventy-twoprinthead modules 46. EachPCB 42 is configured to control eightprinthead modules 46. It follows that nine PCB's 42 are provided. Theprinthead modules 46 are described in further detail below. - Each
PCB 42 includes a print engine controller (PEC) 48. The PEC's 48 are also described in further detail below. - Each
PCB 42 also includes a memory storage device in the form of memory chips and more particularly in the form of 64 Mbit external DRAM chips 50. The DRAM chips 50 cooperate with thePEC 48 in a manner that is described below. - Further, each
PCB 42 includes a quality authentication (QA)chip 52. Details of a suitable QA chip are set out in the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,868 and are therefore not set out in this description. TheQA chip 52 serves to inhibit unauthorized refilling of ink in the manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,868, in addition to other functions such as ensuring the quality of print media used with theprinter 10. - An
endmost PCB 42 includes aserial connector 54 that permitsserial data cables 56 to be connected to the PCB's 42. - Each
PCB 42 is connected to its associatedprinthead modules 46 with aflexible PCB 58. - The
printing mechanism 40 includes ametal chassis 60 that extends between a pair ofside moldings 61 that are positioned in theend moldings 34. The PCB's 42 are mounted on thechassis 60. Thechassis 60 has a generally U-shaped cross section. Achannel 62 of an Invar alloy is positioned on thechassis 60. - A
chassis molding 64 of a plastics material is positioned on an outside of thechassis 60 and thechannel 62. EachPCB 42 is mounted on thechassis molding 64. - The
chassis molding 64 defines a pair ofrecesses 66 on an outer side of thechassis molding 64. Therecesses 66 extend a length of thechassis molding 64. Abusbar 68 is positioned in eachrecess 66. Thebusbars 68 are configured to supply electrical power to the PCB's 42. - An
ink reservoir assembly 70 is positioned in theInvar channel 62. Theink reservoir assembly 70 includes anink distribution arrangement 72. Eachprinthead module 46 is positioned on a respectiveink distribution arrangement 72. In particular, eachprinthead module 46 is removably mounted on itsink distribution arrangement 72 to facilitate removal and replacement when necessary. - The
ink reservoir assembly 70 includes a plurality of ink reservoir moldings 76. Eachink reservoir molding 76 corresponds with an associatedprinthead module 46. Theink reservoir moldings 76 are positioned end-to-end along and within theInvar channel 62. - Each
ink reservoir molding 76 defines a plurality ofelongate ink channels 74, each accommodating a differently colored ink. Thus, effective elongate ink channels extend a length of theInvar channel 62. - An
end cap molding 78 is positioned on an endmostink reservoir molding 76. Theend cap molding 78 has a plurality ofconnectors 80 defined thereon and in alignment withrespective ink channels 74 when theend cap molding 78 is positioned on said endmostink reservoir molding 76. Theconnectors 80 are connectable to anink hose connector 82. Theink hose connector 82 is, in turn, connected to each of a plurality ofink hoses 84. It follows that eachhose 84 is in fluid communication with arespective ink channel 74. Eachhose 84 supplies theink reservoir assembly 70 with ink of a particular color. For example, thehoses 84 can carry Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y) and Black (K) inks, respectively. In this case, fourhoses 84 are provided. Also, eachreservoir molding 76 defines fourink channels 74. Alternatively, thehoses 84 can carry Cyan (C), Magenta (M), Yellow (Y), Red (R), Green (G) and Blue (B) inks, respectively. In this case, sixhoses 84 are provided. Also, eachreservoir molding 76 then defines sixink channels 74. Instead of six differently colored inks, the sixhoses 84 can carry CMYK and Infrared (IR) inks and a fixative (F) for high speed printing so that the inks can dry rapidly. - Each
hose 84 is connected to a respective ink container 86 (FIG. 5 ), so that eachhose 84 is connected between anink container 86 and aparticular ink channel 74. Thehoses 84 are connected to theirrespective containers 86 with T-piece connectors 94 shown inFIG. 1 . - The
print assembly 14 includes a plurality of cappingdevices 88 that correspond withrespective printhead modules 46. Each cappingdevice 88 is displaceable between an operative position in which it serves to cap itsrespective printhead module 46, to inhibit drying of ink, and an inoperative position in which ink can be ejected from theprinthead module 46. Acamshaft 90 is positioned in thechassis 60. A translatingmember 92 interconnects thecamshaft 90 and thecapping devices 88, so that rotational movement of thecamshaft 90 results in reciprocal movement of thecapping devices 88 between their operative and inoperative positions. - The
camshaft 90 is driven with a suitable motor, indicated generally at 96 inFIG. 5 . - Further detail of the
print assembly 14 is shown inFIG. 7 . As can be seen in this drawing, thefront cover 32, thelid 28 and arear cover 98 together define ahousing 100 for theprint assembly 14. - A plurality of
ink cartridges 102 is positioned beneath thelid 28. Eachink cartridge 102 stores one of the inks mentioned above. Eachink cartridge 102 is positioned between a pair ofclips 104 so that it can be replaced when necessary. Eachink cartridge 102 and arespective ink reservoir 86 are in fluid communication with each other, when theink cartridge 102 is received between theclips 104. - A pair of platens, in the form of an
upper platen 106 and alower platen 108 is positioned within thehousing 100. A pair of spaced primary rollers in the form of an upperprimary roller 110 and a lowerprimary roller 112 is provided to displace thepaper 22 through theprint assembly 14. Theupper roller 110 is positioned at an upper end of theplatens lower roller 112 is positioned between theplatens rollers paper 22 over, consecutively, an inner surface of thelower platen 108 and an outer surface of theupper platen 106. Thus, thepaper 22 passes over theupper roller 110, while thelower roller 112 is positioned between upwardly and downwardly moving portions of thepaper 22. - A
brush 114 is pivotally mounted at 116 to thehousing 100. Thebrush 114 has an arcuate transverse profile that corresponds with the upperprimary roller 110. Thebrush 114 is positioned in thehousing 100 so that thepaper 22 can pass between thebrush 114 and thehousing 100. - A
pinch roller 118 is positioned downstream of thebrush 114 to bear against the upperprimary roller 110. Thus, when thepaper 22 is displaced from between thebrush 114 and the upperprimary roller 110, thepinch roller 118 retains thepaper 22 against lateral movement. - The
upper platen 106 defines anupper printing zone 120 and alower cutting zone 122. Agap 124 is defined between the upper andlower printing zones spiked wheels 126 is partially received through thegap 124 to engage thepaper 22 and the lowerprimary roller 112. Acrossbar 128 is operatively positioned with respect to thespiked wheels 126 to retain thespiked wheels 126 in position. Thespiked wheels 126 and thepinch roller 118 are configured so that a suitable tension is set up in thepaper 22 when thepaper 22 passes over theprinting zone 120 of theupper platen 106. - The
chassis 60 andchannel 62 are positioned above theprinting zone 120 of theupper platen 106. Thechassis 60 and thechannel 62 are connected to adisplacement mechanism 129 so that thechassis 60 andchannel 62 can be displaced from theprinting zone 120 when necessary. In particular, thechassis 60 andchannel 62 are displaceable between an operative position in which theprinthead modules 46 are a distance from theprinting zone 120 that is suitable for printing and an inoperative position in which thepaper 22 can be released from theprinting zone 120. - The
chassis 60 andchannel 62 are connected to thepinch roller 118 withsuitable metalwork 130. Further, thechassis 60 andchannel 62 are connected to thecrossbar 128. It follows that, when thedisplacement mechanism 129 is operated, thepinch roller 118 and thespiked wheels 126 are displaced from theupper platen 106 together with thechassis 60 and thechannel 62. - The
displacement mechanism 129 includes acamshaft 132 and apusher 134. Thepusher 134 is connected to thechassis 60 and thechannel 62 so that, upon rotation of thecamshaft 132, thechassis 60 andchannel 62 are displaced towards and away from the printing zone of theupper platen 106. - Upper
idler rollers 136 are rotatably mounted above theupper platen 106 so that thepaper 22 is received between theupper platen 106 and theupper idler rollers 136. - A lower, sprung
idler roller 138 is mounted on thelower platen 108 to be partially received through agap 140 defined in thelower platen 108. The sprungidler roller 138 is configured and positioned to bear against the lowerprimary roller 112. Thus, an upwardly moving portion of thepaper 22 is gripped, and passes between, the lowerprimary roller 112 and the sprungidler roller 138. - The
print assembly 14 includes acutting mechanism 142 that is mounted in thehousing 100 above the cuttingzone 122 of theupper platen 106. The cutting mechanism includes acutter 146 that traverses thepaper 22 to cut thepaper 22. Thecutting mechanism 142 includes anoptical sensor 144 so that thecutter 146 can be stopped when it reaches an end of a cutting stroke. The cuttingzone 122 defines a cuttingformation 148 that cooperates with thecutter 146 to facilitate cutting of thepaper 22. - As can be seen in
FIG. 6 , theprint assembly 14 includes anair impeller 150 and amotor 152 to drive theair impeller 150. Theair impeller 150 serves to generate an air current within thehousing 100 for cooling purposes. Anair filter 153 is also positioned in thehousing 100 to filter the air passing through thehousing 100. Theair impeller 150 also serves to generate the air current to a sufficient extent to minimize the build up of dust on theprinthead modules 46. - As can further be seen in
FIG. 6 , theprimary rollers gearbox 154 that is mounted on abracket 156. Thegearbox 154 andbracket 156 are positioned on one of thelegs 18 and covered with one of theend moldings 34. Thus, theprimary rollers paper 22 through theprint assembly 14. - A
printhead bracket 157 is positioned in thehousing 100 and extends between thelegs 18. Theprinthead bracket 157 provides a support structure for thechassis 60 andchannel 62. Theprinthead bracket 157 also provides a support structure for theupper idler rollers 136. - The
housing 100 is shaped to define anopening 158 for passage of thepaper 22 into and out of theprint assembly 14.Feed rollers 162 are rotatably mounted on atie bar 160 that extends between thelegs 18. Thefeed rollers 162 are positioned so that thepaper 22 passes over thefeed rollers 162 when the paper is fed into theprint assembly 14. Thetie bar 160 also serves a structural purpose in that it provides structural rigidity to theprinter 10. -
Discharge rollers 164 are rotatably mounted on theupper platen 106. Thedischarge rollers 164 are positioned so that thepaper 22 passes over thedischarge rollers 164 when thepaper 22 is fed from theprint assembly 14. - Both the
media roll 166 and the take upspool 24 are driven with a mediaroll drive motor 168 and a take upspool drive motor 170, respectively (FIG. 5 ). - The
printer 10 includes apower supply unit 172 that is positioned in theelectronics enclosure 26. Thepower supply unit 172 is configured to be powered by either a 110V or 220V power supply. Further, thepower supply unit 172 is configured so that up to 90 Amps can be drawn from thepower supply unit 172. Thepower supply unit 172 is connected withpower cables 173 to various components of theprinter 10, such as the various drive motors to supply the components with required operational energy. - The
printer 10 includes anATX motherboard 174 that is also positioned in theelectronics enclosure 26. Aprinthead interface card 176 is mounted on themotherboard 174. Theprinthead interface card 176 is connected to the nine PCB's 42 withsuitable data cables 178. Thus, conventional print data supplied to theinterface card 176 from themotherboard 174 can be converted into a suitable form for reading by the various PCB's 42. - The
printer 10 includes ahard drive unit 180. Conveniently, thehard drive unit 180 can have a capacity of 40 Gigabytes. This facilitates the storage of entire images to be printed. Thehard drive unit 180 is connected to themotherboard 174 in a conventional fashion. Thehard drive unit 180 is a conventional hard drive unit and is therefore capable of storing images in any number of formats, such as the well-known JPEG format. The manner in which the image data is read from thehard drive unit 180 is also conventional. As is set out below, printing of the images is digitally controlled as a result of the printhead technology utilized in this invention. It follows that transferal of image data from thehard drive unit 180 to the PCB's 42, via theprinthead interface card 176 can take place without the requirement of significant data transformation, in particular, without the requirement of digital to analogue signal conversion. - The
interface card 176 is also connected to a motor andLCD controller PCB 182 to control operation of the various drive motors and the TFT LCD. Details of such control are set out in the above referenced applications and are therefore not provided in this description. The motor andLCD controller PCB 182 is connected to a cut offswitch 184 that is, in turn, connected to thestop button 38 so that operation of theprinter 10 can be halted. - As can be seen in
FIG. 14 , theprinthead modules 46 each include aprinthead chip 186. Theprinthead chip 186 can be in the form of any of the printhead chips described in the above referenced applications/patents. Eachprinthead module 46 includes acarrier 187 in which theprinthead chip 186 is positioned. Thecarrier 187 defines a suitable connection zone for theflexible PCB 58 associated with theprinthead chip 186.FIG. 13 shows a schematic diagram of part of aprinthead chip 186 that is suitable for use in theprinter 10. Eachprinthead module 46 includes what are known as onchip fiducials 258. The onchip fiducials 258 are essentially in the form of markers to facilitate accurate alignment of theprinthead modules 46 in theprint assembly 14. - The
printhead chip 186 is described in detail in the above referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,416,167 and will therefore not be described in such detail in this specification. Briefly, however, thechip 186 includes awafer substrate 188. A CMOS drive circuitry layer 190 is positioned on thewafer substrate 188 and is connected to theflexible PCB 58. - A plurality of
nozzle arrangements 210 is positioned on the CMOS drive circuitry layer 190. For the purposes of convenience, onesuch nozzle arrangement 210 is shown inFIG. 13 . Theprinthead chip 186 comprises a multiple replication of thenozzle arrangement 210 on thewafer substrate 188. As set out in the above referenced applications and patents, theprinthead chip 186 is the product of an integrated circuit fabrication technique. Replication of components in order to achieve a product is a well-known feature of such a fabrication technique. It follows that theprinthead chip 186 can readily be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the field of chip fabrication. - Each
nozzle arrangement 210 includes athermal bend actuator 192 that is positioned on the CMOS layer 190 to receive an actuating signal from the CMOS layer 190. In particular, thethermal bend actuator 192 includes asupport post 194 that is mounted on the CMOS layer 190 to extend from the CMOS layer 190. Thethermal bend actuator 192 includes an actuator arm 196 that is fixed to, and extends from, thesupport post 194. The actuator arm 196 includes aheating layer 198 in the form of an electrical heating circuit of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is such that the material is capable of performing useful work on a MEMS scale as a result of expansion upon heating. Theheating layer 198 is positioned on alayer 200 of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less that that of theheating layer 198 defining the electrical heating circuit. Theheating layer 198 is positioned intermediate thelayer 200 and thesubstrate 188 so that the actuator arm 196 is bent away from thesubstrate 188 when a current is passed through theheating layer 198. -
Nozzle chamber walls 202 are positioned on the CMOS layer 190. Aroof wall 204 is positioned on thenozzle chamber walls 202. Thenozzle chamber walls 202 and theroof wall 204 define anozzle chamber 206. Theroof wall 204 defines anink ejection port 208 from which ink is ejected, in use. - A
paddle member 212 is mounted on the actuator arm 196 to extend into thenozzle chamber 206. Thepaddle member 212 is configured and positioned in thenozzle chamber 206 so that, upon displacement of the actuator arm 196, as described above, ink is ejected from thenozzle chamber 206. - The actuator arm 196 is connected to the CMOS layer 190 through the
support post 194 so that theheating layer 198 can receive an electrical signal from the CMOS layer 190. - As can be seen in
FIGS. 3 and 9 , theprinthead chips 186 are each positioned at an angle with respect to a straight line running the length of theprinting zone 120. This facilitates a measure of overlap at adjacent ends of theprinthead chips 186 to ensure printing continuity. - It is clear from the above referenced United States applications and patents that a pagewidth printhead including printhead chips as described above can incorporate up to 84 000 nozzle arrangements. It follows that, by using the
printhead chips 186, it is possible for theprint assembly 14 to have over as many as 200 000 nozzle arrangements. It follows that over 200 000 dots can be printed on thepaper 22 in theprinting zone 120. In one particular example, the seventy-twoprinthead chips 186 provide a print width of 57.6 inches with 552 960nozzle arrangements 210. - The
nozzle arrangements 210 of eachchip 186 are positioned side-by-side in two rows in a staggered fashion. It follows that true 1600 dpi printing can be achieved with the printhead chips 186. - Each
printhead chip 186 therefore includes 7680nozzle arrangements 210. Eachnozzle arrangement 210 is independently controlled by thePCB 42 to eject a 1-picolitre drop on demand. The integrated circuit fabrication technology used is based on Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) technology that is fully described in the above referenced applications and patents. As a result of the manufacturing techniques used, eachnozzle arrangement 210 can be as little as 32 microns wide. This allows eachprinthead chip 186 to have a surface area as little as 21 mm2. - The characteristics of each
nozzle arrangement 210 are such that it is capable of being driven at a cyclical rate of up to 80 kHz by its associatedPEC 48. This permits printing of up to 21.6 billion drops per second that provides thirty-five thousand square feet per hour at 1600 dpi. - Each
printhead chip 186 is connected to its associatedPCB 42 with theflexible PCB 58. It follows that eachflexible PCB 58 is connected to the CMOS layer 190 of its associatedprinthead chip 186. - Each
PEC 48 is a page rendering engine application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that receives input data relating to compressed page images from theprinthead interface 176. ThePEC 48 produces decompressed page images at up to six channels of bi-level dot data as output. It will be appreciated that eachPEC 48 communicates with eightprinthead chips 186 in this example. EachPEC 48 is capable, however, of communication with up to sixteensuch printhead chips 186. In particular, eachPEC 48 can address up to sixteen printhead chips in up to six color channels at 15 000 lines/sec. It follows that eachPEC 48 allows for a 12.8-inch printhead width for full bleed printing of A3, A4 and letter pages. - Each
PEC 48 is color space agnostic. This means that thePEC 48 can accept print data in any color. While eachPEC 48 can accept contone data as CMYX or RGBX where X is an optional fourth channel, it can also accept contone data in any print color space. Additionally, eachPEC 48 is configured to define a mechanism for arbitrary mapping of input channels to output channels. ThePEC 48 is also configured for combining dots for ink optimization and the generation of channels based on any number of other channels. In this example, data input is typically based on CMYK for contone printing, K for a bi-level input, fixative, and optional further ink channels. ThePEC 48 is also configured to generate a fixative channel for fast printing applications. - Each
PEC 48 is configured to be resolution agnostic. This means that eachPEC 48 simply provides a mapping between input resolutions and output resolutions by means of various scale factors. In this example, the expected output resolution is 1600 dpi. However, thePEC 48 does not store any data to this effect. - Each
PEC 48 is also configured to be page-length agnostic. EachPEC 48 operates a printing band at a time and a page can have any number of bands. It follows that a “page” can have any reasonable length. - Each
PEC 48 defines an interface so that it can be synchronized with other PEC's 48, as is the requirement with this invention. This allows a simple two-PEC solution for simultaneous A3/A4/Letter duplex printing. This also allows eachPEC 48 to be responsible for the printing of only a portion of a page. It will be appreciated that combining synchronization functionality with partial page rendering allows multiple PEC's to be readily combined for alternative printing requirements including simultaneous duplex printing, wide format printing, commercial printing, specialist high contone resolution printing, and printing applications where more than six ink channels are required. - The following table sets out the features of each
PEC 48 and its associated benefits.TABLE 1 Features and Benefits of PEC Feature Benefits Optimized print architecture in 30 ppm full page photographic quality color printing from a hardware desktop PC 0.18 micron CMOS High speed (>3 million transistors) Low cost High functionality 1.8 billion dots per second Extremely fast page generation 15,000 lines per second at 1600 dpi 1.1 A4/Letter pages per PEC chip per second 1 chip drives up to 122,880 nozzles Low cost page-width printers 1 chip drives up to 6 color planes 99% of printers can use 1 chip per page Sophisticated internal memory Only requires 1 external memory, leading to low cost buffering and caching systems JPEG expansion low bandwidth from PC low memory requirements in printer Lossless bitplane expansion high resolution text and line art with low bandwidth from PC (e.g. over USB) Netpage tag expansion Generates interactive paper Stochastic dispersed dot dither Optically smooth image quality No moire effects Hardware compositor for 6 image Pages composited in real-time planes Dead nozzle compensation Extends printhead life and yield Reduces printhead cost Color space agnostic Compatible with all inksets and image sources including RGB, CMYK, spot, CIE L*a*b*, hexachrome, YCrCbK, sRGB and other Color space conversion Higher quality/lower bandwidth Computer interface agnostic Works with USB1, USB2, IEEE1394 (Firewire), ethernet, IEEE1284 (Centronics) Variable page length Print any page length (up to 64 km) Cascadable in resolution Printers of any resolution Cascadable in color depth Special color sets e.g. hexachrome can be used Cascadable in image size Printers of any width Cascadable in pages Printers can print both sides simultaneously Cascadable in speed Very high speed printers can be built Fixative channel data generation Extremely fast ink drying without wasteage Built-in security Revenue models are protected Undercolor removal on dot-by-dot Reduced ink useage basis Does not require fonts for high No font substitution or missing fonts speed operation Flexible printhead configuration Many configurations of printheads are supported by one chip type Drives Memjet ™ printheads No print driver chips required, results in lower cost directly Determines dot accurate ink usaege Removes need for physical ink monitoring system in ink cartridges - In
FIG. 10 , there is shown a block diagram of thePEC 48. ThePEC 48 includes a micro controller interface in the form of a high-speed interface 214 through which an externalmicro controller 216 can write to the 64Mbit DRAM chip 50. The high-speed interface 214 forms part of a data input means of thePEC 48. - The
PEC 48 also includes a control circuitry interface in the form of a low speedserial interface 220 through which themicro controller 216 can access registers of thePEC 48 and theDRAM chip 50. - The
PEC 48 also includes page expansion circuitry in the form of a page expansion unit (PEU) 222 that receives data relating to compressed pages and renders it into data relating to bi-level dots. Line loader and line formatter circuitry in the form of a line loader/formatter unit 224 is also provided that formats dots for a given print line destined for aprinthead interface 226 that communicates directly with theprinthead chips 186 of eachprinthead module 46. - As can be seen, the
PEC 48 performs three basic tasks. These are: -
- a) Accepting register and DRAM access commands via the low speed interface 220 (or from the external DRAM chip 50).
- b) Accepting DRAM write accesses (typically compressed page bands and register command blocks) via the
high speed interface 214. - c) Rendering page bands from the
external DRAM chip 50 to the printhead chips 186.
- These tasks are independent. However, they do share the
external DRAM chip 50. It follows that arbitration is required. ThePEC 48 is configured so that DRAM accesses required for rendering page bands always have the highest priority. - The
PEC 48 includes control circuitry in the form of aPEC controller 228 that provides external clients with the means to read and write PEC registers, and read and write DRAM in single 32 bit data chunks. - The
DRAM chip 50 is connected to memory storage control circuitry in the form of anSDRAM controller 234. In turn, theSDRAM controller 234 is connected to memory storage control circuitry in the form of aDRAM interface unit 236. - The
PEC 48 includes adata bus 230 and a low speedserial bus 232. Both theSDRAM controller 234 and theDRAM interface unit 236 are connected to the low speedserial bus 232. ThePEC controller 228 is connected to thedata bus 230. ThePEC controller 228 is also connected to the low speedserial bus 232 via thelow speed interface 220. The high-speed interface 214, thePEU 222 and the line loader/formatter unit are also connected to thedata bus 230. - In use, since the
PEC 48 prints page bands from DRAM, a given band B is loaded into DRAM via the high-speed interface 214 before printing can begin. Then, while thePEC 48 is rendering band B via the PEU, band B+1 can be loaded to DRAM. While band B+1 is being expanded and printed, band B+2 can be loaded, and so on. - In the following table, the various components of the
PEC 48 mentioned above are described briefly.TABLE 2 Units within PEC (high level) unit reference acronym unit name numeral description DIU DRAM interface unit 236 Provides the interface for DRAM read and write access for the various PEC units. The DIU provides arbitration between competing units and passes on DRAM requests to the SCU. HSI High speed interface 214 Provides external clients (such as the microcontroller) with the means to write to DRAM. LLFU Line loader formatter 224 Reads the expanded page image from line unit store, formatting the data appropriately for the Memjet printhead. LSI Low speed interface 220 Provides external clients with the means to send commands to the PCU and receive register reads. PCU PEC controller 228 Provides external clients with the means to read and write PEC registers, and read and write DRAM in single 32-bit chunks. PEU Page expansion unit 222 Reads compressed page data and writes out the decompressed form of the same to DRAM. PHI Printhead interface 226 Is responsible for sending dot data to the Memjet printhead segments and for providing line synchronization between multiple PECs. SCU SDRAM controller 234 Provides the DIU with access to the external unit DRAM. - An expanded block diagram of the
PEU 222 is shown inFIG. 11 . In the following table, the various components of thePEU 222 are described briefly.TABLE 3 Units within Page Expansion Unit (high level) unit reference acronym unit name numeral description CDU Contone decoder unit 238 Expands JPEG compressed contone layer and writes decompressed contone to DRAM CLBI Contone line buffer 240 Provides line buffering between CRU iterface and HCU CRU Contone reader unit 242 Reads expanded contone image from DRAM DNC Dead nozzle compensator 244 Compensates for dead nozzles by error diffusing dead nozzle data into surrounding dots. DWU Dotline writer unit 246 Writes out the 6 channels of dot data for a given printline to the line store DRAM HCU Halftoner compositor unit 248 Dithers contone layer and composites the bi-level spot 0 and position tag dots.LBD Lossless bilevel decoder 250 Expands compressed bi-level layer. SLBI Spot line buffer interface 252 Provides line buffering between LBD and HCU TE Tag encoder 254 Encodes tag data into line of tag dots. TLBI Tag line buffer interface 256 Provides line buffering between TE and HCU - A first stage in page expansion occurs along a pipeline defined by the
CDU 238/CRU 242, theLBD 250 and theTE 254. TheCDU 238 expands a JPEG-compressed contone (typically CMYK) layer. TheLBD 250 expands a compressed bi-level layer (typically K), and theTE 254 encodes data tags for rendering (typically in IR or K ink) at a later stage. TheCLBI 240, theSLBI 252 and theTLBI 256 receive output data from this stage. - The
HCU 248 carries out a second stage. TheHCU 248 dithers a contone layer and composites position tags and a bi-level spot0 layer over a resulting bi-level dithered layer. A data stream generated by theHCU 248 is adjusted to create smooth transitions across overlapping segments orprinthead chips 186. TheHCU 248 is configured so that a number of options exist for the way in which compositing occurs. This stage can produce up to six channels of bi-level data. It should be noted that not all six channels might be present on the printhead chips 186. For example, theprinthead chips 186 may be CMY only, with K pushed into the CMY channels and IR ignored. Alternatively, the position tags mentioned above may be printed in K if IR ink is not available or for testing purposes. - The
DNC 244 carries out a third stage. In this stage, theDNC 244 compensates for dead nozzles in theprinthead chips 186 by error diffusing dead nozzle data into surrounding dots. - Bi-level, six channel dot-data (typically CMYK-IRF) generated in the above stages is buffered and written out to a set of line buffers stored in the off-chip DRAM via the
DWU 246. - In a final stage, the dot-data is loaded back from the DRAM, formatted for the printhead, and passed to the
printhead interface 226 via a dot FIFO (not shown). The dot FIFO accepts data from the line loader/formatter unit 224 at pclk rate, while theprinthead interface 226 removes data from the FIFO and sends it to theprinthead chips 186 at a rate of either pclk/4, pclk/2 or pclk. -
FIG. 12 simply shows thePEC 48 incorporating the explodedPEU 222. - The printing benefits associated with the
printhead chips 186 are set out in detail in the above referenced applications and patents. However, some benefits are particularly important when applied to wide printing formats. - A particular benefit is the high number of
nozzle arrangements 210 perprinthead chip 186. This facilitates extremely rapid printing in that a single print cycle can achieve an image band. It follow that it is not necessary for further print cycles to be used to fill in “missing” dots as is the case with a scanning printhead. - The PEC's 48 provide the necessary synchronized control of the
printhead chips 186 as described above. Furthermore, as is clear from a number of the above referenced applications and patents, for example U.S. Pat. No. 6,362,868, theprinthead chips 186 allow for the conversion from analogue printing processes to fully digital processes. This allows for a substantial amount of flexibility and speed. Digital control of the printhead chips 186 is by means of the PEC's 48. The fact that the PEC's 48 digitally control the printhead chips 186 allows for the high printing speed of up to 21.6 billion drops per second. In particular, the need for separate printhead chip drivers is removed, which is key to the high printing speed of thechips 186. - The incorporation of the CMOS layer 190 serves to integrate CMOS technology with MEMS technology on each
printhead chip 186. It follows that at least one off-chip connection for eachnozzle arrangement 210 is not required. It will be appreciated that such a requirement would make a printhead unreliable and cost-prohibitive to manufacture. - A further important advantage associated with the
printer 10 is that a width of theprinting zone 120 is extremely small when compared to the length. In a particular example, theprinting zone 120 can be as little as 0.5 mm thick. It will be appreciated that it is necessary to achieve extremely stable paper movement through theprinting zone 120 in order to ensure that accurate printing takes place in the printing zone. The narrow width of theprinting zone 120 facilitates minimal control over thepaper 22 as it passes through the printing zone. - In the event that a substantially wider printing zone were provided, it would be necessary to provide further control over movement of the
paper 22 through such a printing zone. This would require such devices as vacuum platens to retain thepaper 22 against any form of pivotal or lateral movement as thepaper 22 moves through the printing zone. This could greatly increase the cost of the wide format printer. - This highlights some reasons why thermal or bubble jet and piezoelectric printheads would not be practical choices when attempting to achieve the printing characteristics of the
printer 10. As set out in the above referenced applications and patents, such printheads are not suitable for providing the high density of nozzle arrangements achieved with the printheads of the above referenced matters. It follows that, in attempting to apply thermal and piezoelectric printheads to a wide format printer, it would be necessary to have a relatively wide printing zone so that overlapping of printheads could occur to the necessary extent. This would immediately raise the problem mentioned above. Still further, especially with the thermal printheads, a suitable cooling system would be required to keep the temperature in the printing zone at a reasonable level. This would also increase the cost to an unacceptably high level. - In order to achieve an appreciation of the speed of the
printer 10 at a resolution of 1600 dpi, the following comparative table is set out below. It should be noted that the purpose of the following table is simply to illustrate the speed of printing and is not intended to denigrate the various printers used for comparison. - Wide Format Printers
Wide Format Printers Memjet OEM Printhead Print Width (inches) 38.4 44.8 51.2 57.6 64.0 70.4 76.8 Number of Printhead Chips 48 56 64 72 80 88 96 Number of Nozzles 368,640 430,080 491,520 552,960 614,400 675,840 737,280 Max. print speed (sq ft/hr at 1600 × 1600 dpi) 17,578 20,508 23,438 26,367 29,297 32,227 35,156 Make Model Resolution Speed Speed Advantage (# of times faster) Comparison HP 1000/5000 600 × 600 120 146 171 195 220 244 269 293 HP 3000/3500 600 × 300 72 244 285 326 366 407 448 488 Epson 7000/10000 720 × 720 90 195 228 260 293 326 358 391 Encad Novajet 800 600 × 600 96 183 214 244 275 305 336 366 Gretag Arizona Draft mode 444 40 46 53 59 66 73 79 Gretag Arizona 309 × 618 220 80 93 107 120 133 146 160 Colorspan Mach X11 600 × 600 115 153 178 204 229 255 280 306 Canon BJW 9000 600 × 1200 72 244 285 326 366 407 448 488 Mutoh Albatross 792 × 792 65 270 316 361 406 451 496 541 Roland HiFi Jet 720 × 720 96 183 214 244 275 305 336 366 Nur Fresco 360 × 360 300 59 68 78 88 98 107 117 - As is known by those of skill in the fabrication of integrated circuits, while a set up cost for the manufacture of an integrated circuit device can be high, the cost of commercial manufacture of such devices is relatively low. It follows that Applicant envisages that the cost of manufacture of a wide format printer in accordance with this invention will be comparable to the cost of manufacture of the wide format printers listed in the above table.
- It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many obvious modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments described herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.
Claims (6)
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/913,325 US7246881B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2004-08-09 | Printhead assembly arrangement for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer |
US11/064,013 US7325918B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2005-02-24 | Print media transport assembly |
US11/087,557 US7147302B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2005-03-24 | Nozzle assembly |
US11/585,947 US7524026B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2006-10-25 | Nozzle assembly with heat deflected actuator |
Applications Claiming Priority (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AUPO7991A AUPO799197A0 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 1997-07-15 | Image processing method and apparatus (ART01) |
AUPO7991 | 1997-07-15 | ||
AUPO259298 | 1998-03-25 | ||
AUPO2592 | 1998-03-25 | ||
US09/112,767 US6416167B1 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 1998-07-10 | Thermally actuated ink jet printing mechanism having a series of thermal actuator units |
US10/753,477 US6786570B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2004-01-09 | Ink supply arrangement for a printing mechanism of a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer |
US10/913,325 US7246881B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2004-08-09 | Printhead assembly arrangement for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/112,767 Continuation-In-Part US6416167B1 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 1998-07-10 | Thermally actuated ink jet printing mechanism having a series of thermal actuator units |
US10/753,477 Continuation US6786570B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2004-01-09 | Ink supply arrangement for a printing mechanism of a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer |
Related Child Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/064,013 Continuation US7325918B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2005-02-24 | Print media transport assembly |
US11/087,557 Continuation US7147302B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2005-03-24 | Nozzle assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050007418A1 true US20050007418A1 (en) | 2005-01-13 |
US7246881B2 US7246881B2 (en) | 2007-07-24 |
Family
ID=33568644
Family Applications (3)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/913,325 Expired - Fee Related US7246881B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2004-08-09 | Printhead assembly arrangement for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer |
US11/064,013 Expired - Fee Related US7325918B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2005-02-24 | Print media transport assembly |
US11/087,557 Expired - Fee Related US7147302B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2005-03-24 | Nozzle assembly |
Family Applications After (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/064,013 Expired - Fee Related US7325918B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2005-02-24 | Print media transport assembly |
US11/087,557 Expired - Fee Related US7147302B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2005-03-24 | Nozzle assembly |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (3) | US7246881B2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113858814A (en) * | 2021-09-07 | 2021-12-31 | 上海汉图科技有限公司 | Printer with a movable platen |
Families Citing this family (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7337532B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2008-03-04 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Method of manufacturing micro-electromechanical device having motion-transmitting structure |
US6682174B2 (en) | 1998-03-25 | 2004-01-27 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Ink jet nozzle arrangement configuration |
US7468139B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2008-12-23 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Method of depositing heater material over a photoresist scaffold |
US6935724B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2005-08-30 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Ink jet nozzle having actuator with anchor positioned between nozzle chamber and actuator connection point |
US7556356B1 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2009-07-07 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Inkjet printhead integrated circuit with ink spread prevention |
US7524026B2 (en) * | 1997-07-15 | 2009-04-28 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Nozzle assembly with heat deflected actuator |
US7465030B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2008-12-16 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Nozzle arrangement with a magnetic field generator |
US6648453B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2003-11-18 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Ink jet printhead chip with predetermined micro-electromechanical systems height |
US7195339B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2007-03-27 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Ink jet nozzle assembly with a thermal bend actuator |
US6188415B1 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2001-02-13 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Ink jet printer having a thermal actuator comprising an external coil spring |
US6712453B2 (en) | 1997-07-15 | 2004-03-30 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd. | Ink jet nozzle rim |
US7156489B2 (en) | 2004-01-21 | 2007-01-02 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Printhead assembly with clamped printhead integrated circuits |
JP2008162117A (en) * | 2006-12-28 | 2008-07-17 | Brother Ind Ltd | Image recorder |
US10625521B2 (en) | 2014-06-02 | 2020-04-21 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Print media support assembly and print platen assembly |
CN110561916B (en) | 2015-01-30 | 2022-05-10 | 惠普发展公司,有限责任合伙企业 | Printing fluid delivery system for a printer |
Citations (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4423401A (en) * | 1982-07-21 | 1983-12-27 | Tektronix, Inc. | Thin-film electrothermal device |
US4553393A (en) * | 1983-08-26 | 1985-11-19 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Memory metal actuator |
US4672398A (en) * | 1984-10-31 | 1987-06-09 | Hitachi Ltd. | Ink droplet expelling apparatus |
US4706130A (en) * | 1983-08-08 | 1987-11-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image recording apparatus utilizing light emitting diodes with pixel shape correction |
US4737802A (en) * | 1984-12-21 | 1988-04-12 | Swedot System Ab | Fluid jet printing device |
US4855567A (en) * | 1988-01-15 | 1989-08-08 | Rytec Corporation | Frost control system for high-speed horizontal folding doors |
US4864824A (en) * | 1988-10-31 | 1989-09-12 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Thin film shape memory alloy and method for producing |
US4947192A (en) * | 1988-03-07 | 1990-08-07 | Xerox Corporation | Monolithic silicon integrated circuit chip for a thermal ink jet printer |
US5016023A (en) * | 1989-10-06 | 1991-05-14 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Large expandable array thermal ink jet pen and method of manufacturing same |
US5029805A (en) * | 1988-04-27 | 1991-07-09 | Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft | Valve arrangement of microstructured components |
US5057854A (en) * | 1990-06-26 | 1991-10-15 | Xerox Corporation | Modular partial bars and full width array printheads fabricated from modular partial bars |
US5107276A (en) * | 1989-07-03 | 1992-04-21 | Xerox Corporation | Thermal ink jet printhead with constant operating temperature |
US5148194A (en) * | 1984-08-06 | 1992-09-15 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording apparatus with engaging members for precisely positioning adjacent heads |
US5160945A (en) * | 1991-05-10 | 1992-11-03 | Xerox Corporation | Pagewidth thermal ink jet printhead |
US5218754A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1993-06-15 | Xerox Corporation | Method of manufacturing page wide thermal ink-jet heads |
US5258774A (en) * | 1985-11-26 | 1993-11-02 | Dataproducts Corporation | Compensation for aerodynamic influences in ink jet apparatuses having ink jet chambers utilizing a plurality of orifices |
US5412410A (en) * | 1993-01-04 | 1995-05-02 | Xerox Corporation | Ink jet printhead for continuous tone and text printing |
US5565900A (en) * | 1994-02-04 | 1996-10-15 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Unit print head assembly for ink-jet printing |
US5666141A (en) * | 1993-07-13 | 1997-09-09 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet head and a method of manufacturing thereof |
US5719604A (en) * | 1994-09-27 | 1998-02-17 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Diaphragm type ink jet head having a high degree of integration and a high ink discharge efficiency |
US5719602A (en) * | 1995-01-20 | 1998-02-17 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Controlling PWA inkjet nozzle timing as a function of media speed |
US5812159A (en) * | 1996-07-22 | 1998-09-22 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink printing apparatus with improved heater |
US5867183A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1999-02-02 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Apparatus for driving multiple ink jet printheads with a single set of drive outputs |
US5896155A (en) * | 1997-02-28 | 1999-04-20 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink transfer printing apparatus with drop volume adjustment |
US6007187A (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 1999-12-28 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting device and liquid ejecting method |
US6068367A (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 2000-05-30 | Olivetti-Lexikon, S.P.A. | Parallel printing device with modular structure and relative process for the production thereof |
US6312114B1 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2001-11-06 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Method of interconnecting a printhead with an ink supply manifold and a combined structure resulting therefrom |
US6443555B1 (en) * | 1999-03-16 | 2002-09-03 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Pagewidth wide format printer |
US6786570B2 (en) * | 1997-07-15 | 2004-09-07 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Ink supply arrangement for a printing mechanism of a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer |
Family Cites Families (74)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB792145A (en) | 1953-05-20 | 1958-03-19 | Technograph Printed Circuits L | Improvements in and relating to devices for obtaining a mechanical movement from theaction of an electric current |
DE1648322A1 (en) | 1967-07-20 | 1971-03-25 | Vdo Schindling | Measuring or switching element made of bimetal |
FR2188389B1 (en) | 1972-06-08 | 1975-06-13 | Cibie Projecteurs | |
FR2231076A2 (en) | 1973-05-24 | 1974-12-20 | Electricite De France | Driving organ operated by thermal means - esp. for use in corrosive or dangerous environments formed by two metal strips |
GB2012089A (en) * | 1978-01-09 | 1979-07-18 | Rank Organisation Ltd | Electro-mechanical printing apparatus |
DE2905063A1 (en) | 1979-02-10 | 1980-08-14 | Olympia Werke Ag | Ink nozzle air intake avoidance system - has vibratory pressure generator shutting bore in membrane in rest position |
JPS58112747A (en) | 1981-12-26 | 1983-07-05 | Fujitsu Ltd | Ink jet recording device |
JPS58116165A (en) | 1981-12-29 | 1983-07-11 | Canon Inc | Ink injection head |
DE3214791A1 (en) | 1982-04-21 | 1983-10-27 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | WRITING DEVICE WORKING WITH LIQUID DROPS |
DE3245283A1 (en) | 1982-12-07 | 1984-06-07 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Arrangement for expelling liquid droplets |
JPS6125849A (en) | 1984-07-17 | 1986-02-04 | Canon Inc | Ink jet recording device |
DE3430155A1 (en) | 1984-08-16 | 1986-02-27 | Siemens AG, 1000 Berlin und 8000 München | Indirectly heated bimetal |
JPS61268453A (en) | 1985-05-23 | 1986-11-27 | Olympus Optical Co Ltd | Ink jet printer head |
JPS61273975A (en) * | 1985-05-29 | 1986-12-04 | Toshiba Corp | Recording apparatus |
DE3716996A1 (en) | 1987-05-21 | 1988-12-08 | Vdo Schindling | Deformation element |
JPH01105746A (en) | 1987-10-19 | 1989-04-24 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Ink jet head |
JPH01115639A (en) | 1987-10-30 | 1989-05-08 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Ink jet recording head |
JPH01128839A (en) | 1987-11-13 | 1989-05-22 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Inkjet recording head |
US4952950A (en) * | 1988-03-11 | 1990-08-28 | Rastergraphics, Inc. | Paper transport and paper stabilizing system for a printer plotter or the like |
JPH01257058A (en) | 1988-04-07 | 1989-10-13 | Seiko Epson Corp | Ink jet head |
JPH01306254A (en) | 1988-06-03 | 1989-12-11 | Seiko Epson Corp | Ink jet head |
JPH0250841A (en) | 1988-08-12 | 1990-02-20 | Seiko Epson Corp | Ink jet head |
JPH0292643A (en) | 1988-09-30 | 1990-04-03 | Seiko Epson Corp | Ink jet head |
IT1229927B (en) | 1988-10-14 | 1991-09-16 | Cipelletti Alberto Cae | VANE PUMP. |
JPH02108544A (en) | 1988-10-19 | 1990-04-20 | Seiko Epson Corp | Inkjet printing head |
JP2697041B2 (en) | 1988-12-10 | 1998-01-14 | ミノルタ株式会社 | Inkjet printer |
JPH02162049A (en) | 1988-12-16 | 1990-06-21 | Seiko Epson Corp | Printer head |
US5245364A (en) * | 1988-12-30 | 1993-09-14 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image recording apparatus |
JPH041051A (en) | 1989-02-22 | 1992-01-06 | Ricoh Co Ltd | Ink-jet recording device |
JPH02265752A (en) | 1989-04-05 | 1990-10-30 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Ink-jet recording head |
EP0398031A1 (en) | 1989-04-19 | 1990-11-22 | Seiko Epson Corporation | Ink jet head |
JP2841750B2 (en) | 1989-07-03 | 1998-12-24 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | On-demand type inkjet print head |
JPH0365348A (en) | 1989-08-04 | 1991-03-20 | Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd | Ink jet head |
JP2746703B2 (en) | 1989-11-09 | 1998-05-06 | 松下電器産業株式会社 | Ink jet head device and method of manufacturing the same |
JPH03112662A (en) | 1989-09-27 | 1991-05-14 | Seiko Epson Corp | Ink jet printer |
JP2964618B2 (en) | 1989-11-10 | 1999-10-18 | セイコーエプソン株式会社 | Head for inkjet printer |
JPH03180350A (en) | 1989-12-08 | 1991-08-06 | Seiko Epson Corp | Ink jet head |
JPH0440105A (en) | 1990-06-06 | 1992-02-10 | Oki Electric Ind Co Ltd | Linear amplifier circuit |
JPH04118241A (en) | 1990-09-10 | 1992-04-20 | Seiko Epson Corp | Amplitude conversion actuator for ink jet printer head |
JPH04126255A (en) | 1990-09-18 | 1992-04-27 | Seiko Epson Corp | Ink jet head |
JPH04141429A (en) | 1990-10-03 | 1992-05-14 | Seiko Epson Corp | Ink jet head |
DE4031248A1 (en) | 1990-10-04 | 1992-04-09 | Kernforschungsz Karlsruhe | MICROMECHANICAL ELEMENT |
US5126755A (en) | 1991-03-26 | 1992-06-30 | Videojet Systems International, Inc. | Print head assembly for ink jet printer |
US5164740A (en) | 1991-04-24 | 1992-11-17 | Yehuda Ivri | High frequency printing mechanism |
JPH04353458A (en) | 1991-05-31 | 1992-12-08 | Brother Ind Ltd | Ink jet head |
JPH04368851A (en) | 1991-06-17 | 1992-12-21 | Seiko Epson Corp | Magnetic field generating substrate and ink jet head equipped therewith |
JPH0528765A (en) | 1991-07-18 | 1993-02-05 | Nec Home Electron Ltd | Memory control circuit |
GB9121851D0 (en) | 1991-10-15 | 1991-11-27 | Willett Int Ltd | Device |
JPH05185606A (en) | 1992-01-09 | 1993-07-27 | Canon Inc | Ink-jet recorder |
JP3450349B2 (en) | 1992-03-31 | 2003-09-22 | キヤノン株式会社 | Cantilever probe |
JPH05318724A (en) | 1992-05-19 | 1993-12-03 | Seikosha Co Ltd | Ink jet recorder |
DE69307053T2 (en) * | 1992-08-26 | 1997-04-17 | Hewlett Packard Co | Cover with a resilient lip for an inkjet printhead |
JPH0691865A (en) | 1992-09-17 | 1994-04-05 | Seikosha Co Ltd | Ink jet head |
JP2615319B2 (en) | 1992-09-17 | 1997-05-28 | セイコープレシジョン株式会社 | Inkjet head |
US5358231A (en) * | 1993-01-04 | 1994-10-25 | Xerox Corporation | Sheet handling system having a sheet corrugation nip |
GB9302170D0 (en) | 1993-02-04 | 1993-03-24 | Domino Printing Sciences Plc | Ink jet printer |
IT1270861B (en) | 1993-05-31 | 1997-05-13 | Olivetti Canon Ind Spa | IMPROVED INK JET HEAD FOR A POINT PRINTER |
DE4328433A1 (en) | 1993-08-24 | 1995-03-02 | Heidelberger Druckmasch Ag | Ink jet spray method, and ink jet spray device |
DE19516997C2 (en) | 1994-05-10 | 1998-02-26 | Sharp Kk | Ink jet head and method of manufacturing the same |
JPH07314665A (en) | 1994-05-27 | 1995-12-05 | Canon Inc | Ink jet recording head, recorder using the same and recording method therefor |
JPH07314673A (en) | 1994-05-27 | 1995-12-05 | Sharp Corp | Ink-jet head |
JPH08142323A (en) | 1994-11-24 | 1996-06-04 | Sharp Corp | Ink jet head and manufacture thereof |
TW365578B (en) | 1995-04-14 | 1999-08-01 | Canon Kk | Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting device and liquid ejecting method |
US5771054A (en) * | 1995-05-30 | 1998-06-23 | Xerox Corporation | Heated drum for ink jet printing |
JPH08336965A (en) | 1995-06-14 | 1996-12-24 | Sharp Corp | Ink-jet head |
DE69617540T2 (en) | 1995-06-28 | 2002-05-23 | Canon Kk | Micro device for liquid jet recording head equipped therewith, liquid jet recording device with this liquid jet recording head |
US5828394A (en) | 1995-09-20 | 1998-10-27 | The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University | Fluid drop ejector and method |
JPH09104109A (en) | 1995-10-12 | 1997-04-22 | Sharp Corp | Ink jet head and production thereof |
US5790154A (en) * | 1995-12-08 | 1998-08-04 | Hitachi Koki Co., Ltd. | Method of manufacturing an ink ejection recording head and a recording apparatus using the recording head |
DE69704998T2 (en) * | 1996-03-15 | 2001-09-27 | Asm Lithography Bv | ALIGNMENT DEVICE AND LITHOGRAPHIC APPARATUS WITH SUCH A DEVICE |
JP3653348B2 (en) | 1996-08-23 | 2005-05-25 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Air conditioner |
US5757407A (en) * | 1996-11-25 | 1998-05-26 | Xerox Corporation | Liquid ink printer having multiple pass drying |
US6331043B1 (en) | 1997-06-06 | 2001-12-18 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Liquid discharging method, a liquid discharge head, and a liquid discharger apparatus |
AUPQ455999A0 (en) | 1999-12-09 | 2000-01-06 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Memjet four color modular print head packaging |
-
2004
- 2004-08-09 US US10/913,325 patent/US7246881B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-02-24 US US11/064,013 patent/US7325918B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-03-24 US US11/087,557 patent/US7147302B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (29)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4423401A (en) * | 1982-07-21 | 1983-12-27 | Tektronix, Inc. | Thin-film electrothermal device |
US4706130A (en) * | 1983-08-08 | 1987-11-10 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Image recording apparatus utilizing light emitting diodes with pixel shape correction |
US4553393A (en) * | 1983-08-26 | 1985-11-19 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration | Memory metal actuator |
US5148194A (en) * | 1984-08-06 | 1992-09-15 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet recording apparatus with engaging members for precisely positioning adjacent heads |
US4672398A (en) * | 1984-10-31 | 1987-06-09 | Hitachi Ltd. | Ink droplet expelling apparatus |
US4737802A (en) * | 1984-12-21 | 1988-04-12 | Swedot System Ab | Fluid jet printing device |
US5258774A (en) * | 1985-11-26 | 1993-11-02 | Dataproducts Corporation | Compensation for aerodynamic influences in ink jet apparatuses having ink jet chambers utilizing a plurality of orifices |
US4855567A (en) * | 1988-01-15 | 1989-08-08 | Rytec Corporation | Frost control system for high-speed horizontal folding doors |
US4947192A (en) * | 1988-03-07 | 1990-08-07 | Xerox Corporation | Monolithic silicon integrated circuit chip for a thermal ink jet printer |
US5029805A (en) * | 1988-04-27 | 1991-07-09 | Dragerwerk Aktiengesellschaft | Valve arrangement of microstructured components |
US4864824A (en) * | 1988-10-31 | 1989-09-12 | American Telephone And Telegraph Company, At&T Bell Laboratories | Thin film shape memory alloy and method for producing |
US5107276A (en) * | 1989-07-03 | 1992-04-21 | Xerox Corporation | Thermal ink jet printhead with constant operating temperature |
US5016023A (en) * | 1989-10-06 | 1991-05-14 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Large expandable array thermal ink jet pen and method of manufacturing same |
US5057854A (en) * | 1990-06-26 | 1991-10-15 | Xerox Corporation | Modular partial bars and full width array printheads fabricated from modular partial bars |
US5160945A (en) * | 1991-05-10 | 1992-11-03 | Xerox Corporation | Pagewidth thermal ink jet printhead |
US5218754A (en) * | 1991-11-08 | 1993-06-15 | Xerox Corporation | Method of manufacturing page wide thermal ink-jet heads |
US5412410A (en) * | 1993-01-04 | 1995-05-02 | Xerox Corporation | Ink jet printhead for continuous tone and text printing |
US5666141A (en) * | 1993-07-13 | 1997-09-09 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Ink jet head and a method of manufacturing thereof |
US6068367A (en) * | 1993-11-10 | 2000-05-30 | Olivetti-Lexikon, S.P.A. | Parallel printing device with modular structure and relative process for the production thereof |
US5565900A (en) * | 1994-02-04 | 1996-10-15 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Unit print head assembly for ink-jet printing |
US5719604A (en) * | 1994-09-27 | 1998-02-17 | Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha | Diaphragm type ink jet head having a high degree of integration and a high ink discharge efficiency |
US5719602A (en) * | 1995-01-20 | 1998-02-17 | Hewlett-Packard Company | Controlling PWA inkjet nozzle timing as a function of media speed |
US6007187A (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 1999-12-28 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Liquid ejecting head, liquid ejecting device and liquid ejecting method |
US5867183A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1999-02-02 | Lexmark International, Inc. | Apparatus for driving multiple ink jet printheads with a single set of drive outputs |
US5812159A (en) * | 1996-07-22 | 1998-09-22 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink printing apparatus with improved heater |
US5896155A (en) * | 1997-02-28 | 1999-04-20 | Eastman Kodak Company | Ink transfer printing apparatus with drop volume adjustment |
US6786570B2 (en) * | 1997-07-15 | 2004-09-07 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Ink supply arrangement for a printing mechanism of a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer |
US6312114B1 (en) * | 1998-10-16 | 2001-11-06 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Method of interconnecting a printhead with an ink supply manifold and a combined structure resulting therefrom |
US6443555B1 (en) * | 1999-03-16 | 2002-09-03 | Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd | Pagewidth wide format printer |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113858814A (en) * | 2021-09-07 | 2021-12-31 | 上海汉图科技有限公司 | Printer with a movable platen |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20050162470A1 (en) | 2005-07-28 |
US7325918B2 (en) | 2008-02-05 |
US7246881B2 (en) | 2007-07-24 |
US20050157144A1 (en) | 2005-07-21 |
US7147302B2 (en) | 2006-12-12 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6786570B2 (en) | Ink supply arrangement for a printing mechanism of a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer | |
US7537301B2 (en) | Wide format print assembly having high speed printhead | |
US6880914B2 (en) | Inkjet pagewidth printer for high volume pagewidth printing | |
US7147302B2 (en) | Nozzle assembly | |
US6916082B2 (en) | Printing mechanism for a wide format pagewidth inkjet printer | |
US7524026B2 (en) | Nozzle assembly with heat deflected actuator | |
US20050083392A1 (en) | Wide format pagewidth inkjet printer |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY. LTD., AUSTRALIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SILVERBROOK, KIA;REEL/FRAME:015675/0961 Effective date: 20040715 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ZAMTEC LIMITED, IRELAND Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SILVERBROOK RESEARCH PTY. LIMITED AND CLAMATE PTY LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:028551/0332 Effective date: 20120503 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MEMJET TECHNOLOGY LIMITED, IRELAND Free format text: CHANGE OF NAME;ASSIGNOR:ZAMTEC LIMITED;REEL/FRAME:033244/0276 Effective date: 20140609 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: MAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |
|
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 20190724 |